USCIS Will Temporarily Suspend Premium Processing for all H-1B Petitions

Question,

Is it true that USCIS will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B petitions? and even include H-1B application for cap-exempt jobs, such as working for a university?.

Answer,

Starting April 3, 2017, USCIS will temporarily suspend premium processing for all H-1B visa/status petitions. This H-1B premium processing suspension may last up to 6 months. While H-1B premium processing is suspended, the H-1B petitioners will not be able to file Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service for a Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)

The temporary suspension applies to all H-1B petitions filed on or after April 3, 2017. This suspension will apply to all petitions filed for the FY2018 H-1B regular cap and master’s advanced degree cap exemption. The suspension also applies to petitions that may be cap-exempt.

While premium processing is suspended, petitioners may submit a request to expedite an H-1B petition if they meet the criteria on the Expedite Criteria webpage. It is the petitioner’s responsibility to demonstrate that they meet at least one of the expedite criteria, and we encourage petitioners to submit documentary evidence to support their expedite request. USCIS will review all expedite requests on a case-by-case basis and requests are granted at the discretion of the office leadership.